“’Tis as I told you,” Sir William retorted dryly. While this was passing, Cromwell gave some brief directions to the captain of the watch and his assistants, who were lifting Henge’s still unconscious form upon a stretcher. “To the Tower,” said the king’s minister, “and keep him safe; to-morrow he will have to answer to the Council if he lives,--he and Zachary Sanders.” Lord Raby had tenderly placed the mantle about Betty’s shoulders and drawn her arm through his, for they were all preparing to leave the house. Cromwell, turning from his talk with the officers, looked at the lovers, and a smile lighted up for a moment the stern reserve of his strong face. “My Lord Raby,” he said quietly, “never, I think, had man better cause to bless his fate for giving him a faithful heart. This lady hath been untiring, brave, and loyal in her suit for you. Save for her, the king’s grace would scarcely have thought of your cause in this sad hour, when the Queen of England lies dead at Hampton Court. Fair and faithful Mistress Carew,” he added, bowing low over Betty’s hand, “I have had to fulfil an unpleasant office; the king’s servant must do his duty even though he should break a woman’s heart; but never yet have I done mine so heavily as when I turned a deaf ear to your suit. I shall take it ill if you ask me not to the wedding.” CHAPTER XXXI THE WIZARD’S FATE IN the trial that followed, the lost threads of the great conspiracy were found; and more, it was said that the secret examination of Henge gave Cromwell the first clue to the treason of Exeter and Lady Salisbury, and more noble blood flowed on the scaffold. Sir Barton suffered a traitor’s death, dying as impenitent as he had lived, and cursing his fate that Zachary Sanders did not share it. And he did not, although the case against him was far stronger than against his more violent accomplice. The wizard was tried and condemned to be hanged, but no halter was placed around his neck.